Sunday, March 16, 2014

Three-Peat Squared

Every year about this time I seem to be writing about the young women who play basketball at my alma mater. In 2011, they tied the North Carolina state record for consecutive state titles. In 2012, they broke the record for consecutive state titles. In 2013, they extended their record when they came from 11 down with five minutes to go.

And this year, they made it a three-peat squared. In other words, nine straight state championships in the NCHSAA 1-A women's basketball category. According to the National Federation of State High School Associations record book, this puts them at number three on the all-time list for consecutive state championships in women's basketball behind Milwaukee Pius XI and Dallas Bishop Lynch. Those schools are tied at 12 each.

The clock showed 5.2 seconds when Putman rebounded the second of two missed free throws from Riverside’s Kayla Jones, then weaved her way to the half-court line and let loose with a desperation shot from 47 feet.The shot — dead on line — seemed to wedge momentarily between the backboard and the back of the rim. It came off softly, hit the rim again, and dropped in.

You can see that winning shot below. All I can say is wow. And yes, I am a proud alumnus of Bishop McGuinness.